Rick Mayer
Digital ProducerI’m the online producer for Health News Florida, a collaboration of public radio stations and NPR that delivers news about health care issues.
This is an important position at WUSF. In 2019, the typical U.S. family spent about 11 percent of its annual income on health care, so it stands to reason issues of cost, quality, access and innovation are consequential to all Floridians. Then COVID-19 came along, and the weight of these matters gained exponentially. I take our reporting on these topics quite seriously, as I’m sure you do, too.
Literally growing up in newsrooms and a little serendipity along the way prepared me well for the post. Here’s the abridged version: I’m a Tampa guy, graduating from H.B. Plant High and thrust into the world with my USF degree rolled tightly in hand. From there, it was three mostly sleepless decades as an editor at The Tampa Tribune, then developing and managing an online journal serving physician executives. There’s also my side job editing a statewide health magazine.
And being married to a longtime hospital nurse/case manager helps; dinner conversation often gives me a feel of what’s happening on the front lines. The good and not-so-good.
Of course, my time isn’t always spent flailing in the health news vortex. You’re actually more likely to find me breaking down the Bucs, Bulls or Bolts after a game, taking Oodle the poodle to the dog park or tinkering the backroom piano while vicariously reliving my former life as a musician. (Remember, kids: Parents of percussionists have plenty of patience. Plenty!)
Contact Rick on X @rmayer2361 or by email at Mayer1@wusf.org.
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Even as some policymakers challenge mandates, public opinion largely favors requirements for at least one vaccine to protect children and the broader community. -
Under the agreement, FSU and TMH will work with the city of Tallahassee on the transfer of the hospital assets to the university. The partnership needs to be approved by the city commission. -
Speaking with a Houston physician, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo says he doesn't want mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in the state. -
The arrests were part of a second phase of an investigation. In 2023, 25 people were charged in connection with a similar scheme involving three other Florida schools. -
The initiative, which also includes Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Tampa, follows a recent call from federal agencies for comprehensive nutrition training in medical education. -
The Bulls didn’t vanish completely, showing up among teams receiving votes. But their attention now turns to a home game against FCS team South Carolina State and their American Conference schedule a week later. -
The Bulls will soon find out if the blowout loss drops them out of the rankings after the bigger and more talented Hurricanes overwhelmed them from the start. -
Se espera un voto final de la Junta de Gobernadores de Florida el 6 de noviembre. Las obras en la primera fase de 27 acres podrían comenzar esta primavera y estar terminadas en 2028. -
The Oct. 11 game against Southern at Raymond James Stadium was switched to the Wildcats' home venue after reported issues with the promoter led to concerns about ensuring a “positive fan experience.” -
The group’s chief operating officer said the Dreamers still have more than $1 billion in team acquisition capital under letters of intent as it continues pursuit of the Rays or any other MLB team.
